Filter theory

• Filter theory : Kerckhoff + Davis


  Compared attitudes + personalities

  • Consider field of availables ( potential partners)
  • Select field of desirables from this via 3 filters
• Social demography ( 1st filter)


  Examples = social class, location , religion

  • More likely to have meaningful encounters with people who are physically close + share same features
  • Too different = not potential partner + filtered out
• Similarity in attitudes ( 2nd filter )


  • Important to the development of romantic relationships only for couples that been together for less than 18m - agreeing on basic values promotes better communication + SD
  • Law of attraction = Byrne found similarity in attitudes causes mutual attraction
• Complementarity ( 3rd filter)


  • Partners complement each other when they have traits the other lacks
  • Kerchoff + Davis found the need for complementarity was more important for long term couples
  • complementarity attractive - partners feel whole , which adds depth to relationship
• Strength of filter theory : research support

  
  

  E: Assumes key factors as relationships change over time

  E: Winch found similarities of personality, interests + attitudes are typical in the earliest stages - supports 2/3 of filters

  L: determine development of relationship + good face validity
• Limitation of filter theory : lack of replication 


  • E: Many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed basis of filter theory
  • E: Kerckhoff and Davis assumed that partners together over 18 months were more committed
  • L: Questions applicability of filters
• Limitation of filter theory : lacks temporal validity 


  • Rise of online dating has reduced the importance of social demographic variables
  • Mobile apps like Tinder etc have made meeting partners easier than ever
  • May pursue a relationships with someone outside the usual demographic limits increased
  • Questions temporal validity of theory.
• Grenade

  Reductionist

  • Bases explanation of such complex phenomenon as romantic relationships on the application of a series of filters + limits the range of real life romantic experiences it can explain
  • E.g Theory doesnt explain why many people stay a long time in abusive relationships despite the lack of complementarity
  • suggests that a holistic approach better suited to explaining the complexity of relationships maintenance